Projects

Travel Management

Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM)

The MVUM is a requirement of the Travel Management Final Rule and reflects travel management decisions on each forest. The MVUM displays National Forest System (NFS) routes (roads and trails) or areas designated open to motorized travel . The MVUM also displays allowed uses by vehicle class (highway-legal vehicles, vehicles less than 50 inches wide and motorcycles), seasonal allowances and provides information on other travel rules and regulations. Routes not shown on the MVUM are not open to public motor vehicle travel. Routes designated for motorized use may not always be signed on the ground but will be identified on the MVUM. It will be the public's responsibility to reference the MVUM to determine designated routes for motor vehicle use. The MVUM will be updated annually, to correct mapping errors or discrepancies and update travel decisions.

The Motor Vehicle Use Maps show the roads and trails that are authorized for motorized use. Roads and trails not shown on these maps are not authorized for public motorized use.

The MVUM is a black and white map with no topographic features. It is not a stand alone map and is best used in conjunction with a Forest Visitor Map or other topographic map. The MVUM will be free to the public at each local Ranger District office. The MVUM is available on this website and sections of it may be printed from your home computer.

2016-2018 Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM).

These maps are geo referenced pdfs.

If you do not already have a copy of Adobe Reader, you can download a free copy from Adobe .

Each map with West title has the motorized vehicle use rules and regulations on it. Also there is a Q code that you can scan, with your smart phone, which will link you to the RGNF webpage georeferenced PDF MVUM maps. Download with PDF Maps Avenza.

It is recommended that the legend box, as well as applicable special designations, be printed to aid in interpretation of the MVUM.

Reminder, electric bicycles, also called e-bikes are not allowed on closed roads or non-motorized trails and cannot be used for off-road game retrieval. Electric bikes are considered motorized vehicles.

Maps will be posted and available for printing on this website and on the internet at both the Rocky Mountain Region and National Forest Service websites. Paper copies of the Rio Grande NF maps will be available free of charge at each of the Forest Service offices in La Jara, Del Norte and Saguache, Colorado and the Forest Supervisor's office in Monte Vista, Colorado. Due to printing problems, free paper copies of the Rio Grande NF maps will not be available until January, 2009. Other partners and distribution locations may be developed over time to help disseminate maps.

How do I print the MVUM?
A full-size version of the MVUM is 34" x 44" and cannot be printed on conventional home printers. A full-size version can only be printed from a large plotter. Many local engineering and survey business can print the map for a nominal fee.

To print the MVUM on 8 ½" x 11" paper using a home printer use the Map book option above.. With Adobe Acrobat, use the “Print Current View” function to print the view on your screen.

Motorized use includes but is not limited to Motorcycles, ATV's, and 4-wheel drive vehicles.

Designation details, including vehicle class, time of year, and any motorized access for the purpose of dispersed camping (camping in locations other than campgrounds).

The MVUM also shows roads where only highway-legal vehicles are allowed because of user safety considerations.

Motor vehicle access may occur on routes not shown on the MVUM for the purpose of limited administrative access by Forest Service personnel; for fire and law enforcement for emergency purposes and; by persons authorized by a written special use permit or contract from the Forest Service.

Trails open to vehicles 50 inches or less in width (ATV, motorcycle, etc.)

Trails open to all vehicles (trails may be rugged and narrow- intended for jeeps)

Trails open to motorcycles only (single track)

It's important to understand that routes and areas shown open to certain vehicle classes does not mean they are maintained for or suitable for travel using those vehicles. It simply means it is legal to use them. For example, many low standard roads may be open to all motor vehicles. This designation includes passenger cars, although it may not be prudent to drive this type of vehicle on the route due to the condition of the surface or during inclement weather. Please check with the local Ranger District Offices for more information. Click here for District Offices contact information

What do you mean by a season allowance?
Some routes or areas may be open only during certain times of the year for various reasons such as to reduce wildlife disturbance, protect users from unsafe or impassable conditions and to reduce impacts to other resource values.

Routes designated for motorized use may not always be signed. In some cases, a route marker may exist at the entrance of the road/trail with symbols indicating which classes of vehicles are allowed. Routes designated for motorized uses will be identified on the MVUM. The MVUM is an enforcement tool to ensure individuals are on the correct route. It is the responsibility of the user to determine if they are on a route designated for the motor vehicle being used. MVUM's will be developed for each forest nationwide. It is not only a tool for motorized users, but also a consistent and standardized law enforcement tool.